Atlanta - Missed opportunities headlined the New Orleans Saints night against the Atlanta Falcons. Saints wide receiver Lance Moore had one of his biggest games in several weeks, finishing with seven receptions for 123 yards. It was his third game this season with more than 120 yards.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Lance Moore (16) hauls in a deep pass late in the second quarter during the game between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Thursday, November 29, 2012. Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

But Moore dropped a touchdown pass in the third quarter that could have tied the score at 17.

Saints running back Mark Ingram rushed for negative yardage on the next play, and Brees' next pass, to Pierre Thomas for five yards, wasn't enough for first down. The Saints were forced to settle for a field goal.

It was a disappointing gane for the Saints and quarterback Drew Brees, who were in Atlanta territory several times, but could come up with only one touchdown. The closest Brees got to the end zone was Moore's dropped pass, ending his streak of consecutive games with a touchdown at 54.

Moore had several big plays, including a 32-yard reception when the Saints were facing third-and-9 at their own 21. He also had two 12-yard receptions in the third quarter.

MATT BRYANT

Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant is making a habit of kicking game-winning field goals. Bryant's 55-yard field goal on Thursday night wasn't as time expired, but it was a clutch play to put the Falcons up by 10 with 4:25 remaining, and essentially sealed the game. This isn't the first time this season that Bryant came through for the Falcons. He kicked a 55-yarder against the Oakland Raiders to put the Falcons up 23-20 with one second remaining. He also kicked a 40-yard field goal with five seconds remaining against the Carolina Panthers, and the Falcons won 30-28.

ZACH STRIEF

Saints right tackle Zach Strief finally made his return after missing three games with a groin injury. The Saints were desperate to have Strief back, after losing Charles Brown (knee), and Bryce Harris (placed on injured reserve). Strief started in place of Will Robinson, who was signed last week, but the rust was evident. On third-and-5, with the Saints at the Atlanta 36-yard line, Strief couldn't contain Falcons defensive end John Abraham, who blew past him to nail Brees for a 5-yard loss. The Saints were forced to punt and the Falcons sealed the deal with a 55-yard field goal on the next drive. Strief cramped up late in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Robinson, who was in the game when Brees threw a would-be interception negated by an offsides penalty. Strief later returned.

PIERRE THOMAS

Once again, Pierre Thomas' big game was oversghadowed by a loss. Thomas, who had 84 yards on Thursday, rushed for his biggest output since he gained 110 yards in a 35-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 16. Thomas averaged six yards per carry, and almost had a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Thomas bulled his way through to the end zone for what was initially ruled a touchdown, but it was overturned when officials decided he hadn't broken the plane. Running back Mark Ingram ran in from one yard on the next play.